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EU Entry/Exit System (EES) & ETIAS 

A quick guide to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS authorization, what travelers need to know, and when the changes take effect.

The European Union is rolling out two new systems that will change how many of our clients travel to the Schengen Area. These will impact travelers from non-EU countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.

EES – Entry/Exit System

What it is:
A new EU border system that replaces manual passport stamping, using digital biometric registration and tracking.

Who it affects:
All non-EU travelers (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Australia) who are entering the Schengen Area under short stays.

For full information on the EES, visit: 

What travelers do:

  • On their first post-launch entry: provide fingerprints, a facial photo, and a passport scan.

  • On subsequent entries: biometric verification (faster).

  • Children under 12 may be exempt from fingerprinting (though still may submit photo).

Purpose:
To automate tracking of border crossings, detect overstays, and support enforcement of the 90/180-day rule.

Key considerations & details:

  • Exemptions: EU/Schengen nationals, long-stay visa holders, residents, diplomatic travel, etc.

  • Self-service kiosks and automated border gates will be integrated to speed processing. 

  • Data retention: biometric and travel data stored 3 years. 

  • During rollout, some flexibility in enforcement is expected to avoid delays and disruption. 

Start date & rollout:

  • Phased rollout begins October 12, 2025

  • Full implementation by April 2026 

Cost: Free

Where it applies:
Across airports, train stations, and major land borders in Schengen countries.

 

ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorization System

What it is:
An online pre-travel authorization.

Who it affects:
Citizens of visa-exempt (third) countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia — traveling to Schengen countries and Cyprus.

For full information on the ETIAS, visit: 

What travelers do:

  • Apply online before travel.

  • Pay an authorization fee (proposed between €7 and €20, depending on final rules)

  • ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first)

  • Some may be eligible for limited-validity ETIAS (valid for fewer countries or fewer days) under special circumstances.

Purpose:
To pre-screen travelers before arrival, assessing security, migration, or health risks as part of border management.

Transitional & grace periods:

  • After ETIAS launch, there will be a transitional phase (at least 6 months) during which ETIAS may not yet be mandatory.

  • Following that, a grace period allows first-time entrants some flexibility during the switch.

Applicability & exemptions:

  • Applies by air, land, and sea entry into the 30 covered countries (Schengen + Cyprus)

  • Exempt: holders of residence permits, long-stay visas, holders of EU passports, etc. 

  • Dual nationals: if traveling with the EU passport, ETIAS is not required.

Start date: Expected late 2026 (exact date TBD)

Cost: Between €7 and €20, depending on final decision 

 

If you have any further questions, please visit the linked websites above or consult your Travel Coordinator.